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Which MLB Team is the Most Intriguing to Play As This Year? (Roundtable)

Pitchers and catchers have or are reporting, that means all of the trappings of Spring are in the air -- just don't walk outside.

With baseball season closer than ever, and with MLB rosters becoming somewhat finalized now, there's no time like the present to talk about the teams we are most excited to play as in MLB 15 The Show.

Bob Kollars: For me, it has to be the Chicago Cubs. With the addition of John Lester, Miguel Montero, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, and with the looming debut of top prospect Kris Bryant, Chicago is as loaded a video game team has ever been. The Cubs still posses one of the best farm systems in baseball, so either bring the kids up, or make amove at the deadline to improve your young core.

Just because the Cubs are my first choice, doesn't mean there aren't some other incredibly intriguing teams out there. The Padres remodeled their entire offense, and the addition James Shields is an interesting decision. I also think the White Sox might be entertaining with the additions of Melky Cabrera and Jeff Smardzija.

Jeremy Chisenhall: To me, the Boston Red Sox have to be the most intriguing team for this year.

The combination of franchise centerpieces that have been in Boston for years, and newcomers who are sure to improve the team, really draws my attention. They've added Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez to add to Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz and Mike Napoli. On top of that, it looks like Koji Uehara is going to take the closing role for at least one more year, which gives Boston a great chance to make one last run at a championship with the veterans they have. While that group is likely to only make one more run at a title, the Red Sox have some young guns like Mookie Betts and Blake Swihart to center their team around once the veterans hang up their cleats.

Danny Webster: The Miami Marlins finally have something going.

How they managed the wherewithal to secure Giancarlo Stanton to an absurd extension is still baffling. What's even more baffling is how Stanton put his trust in the Marlins. With Stanton locked up for a long time, he's Miami's centerpiece that you can build around offensively. Miami also has an ace, 22-year-old Jose Fernandez who, while recovering from Tommy John Surgery, is still a beast in the world of video game land.

So use the Marlins and get Ichiro a championship. Oh, and turn the Marlins from the butt of all baseball jokes to the top of the world, with that absurd fountain as the landmark that signifies just what in the world they're doing.

Brandon Kosal - This year is the Detroit Tigers' year. If you follow baseball at all, you probably rolled your eyes pretty hard after reading that sentence, since every year seems to be the Tigers' year. Calling this year 'the year' sounds odd considering they're not even the consensus favorite in their own division, but they had a strong off-season. They ignored aces and power hitters, instead focusing on what they needed. They should be at least decent defensively, not to mention the well-rounded outfield. The rotation is a question mark for the first time in years, but they should be a player again this year if they can stay relatively healthy.

Philip Varckette: Even though they are my team, I feel the Cleveland Indians are one of the most intriguing teams in baseball. With Cy Young winner Corey Kluber solidifying the top spot in the rotation, veteran Gavin Floyd, and youngsters with potential (Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco), they could have one of the best rotations in the A.L. Central. If the young talent starts to pan out of course.

And we can't forget about MVP candidate Michael Brantley. I'm sure he will lead the team in the hitting department again this year. If the Indians can somehow land a right-handed power bat, they could be a dangerous team this year.

Caley Roark: For me, the whirlwind that took place in San Diego has got the Padres sitting at the top of my most intriguing teams list.

First, and most recently, the addition of James Shields solidifies a relatively good rotation. Josh Johnson represents a low-risk reclamation project, and Ian Kennedy had a quiet but decent 2014.

Then, there is the revamped outfield, including Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Will Myers. If these guys can stay healthy and produce, is there a better outfield in baseball?

Additionally, they have a quality bullpen and a decent young third baseman in former Red Sox' Will Middlebrooks.


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Member Comments
# 81 bronxbombers21325 @ 02/24/15 03:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nwo4Life75
Having two world championships in a organization that is very old make those two championships make them that more special! I 've been a Diehard Phillies fan since the 70s,granted I've witnessed some pretty bad seasons,I'm tired of hearing people rip them and knocking them calling them looser franchise the worst ever! For a franchise that's been ripped by people forever,they have been in the postseason more then the Royals! When was the last time the Royals have been in the postseason before last season. Those 70s Phillies teams are some of the best teams in the history of baseball! They won three straight eastern division championships! Two of those teams had 101 wins in 1976 and 1977! Some of the greatest players in the history of baseball! Mike Schmidt,Richie Ashburn,Dick Allen to name a few and Steve Carlton arguably one of the greatest pitcher's of all time!
They are going to be a bad team this year. Even diehard fans have to realize when their teams arent good. My team has 27 World Series championships, 18 division titles, and 40 American League pennants That means zilch for 2015, they are a 3rd place team at the very best.
 
# 82 redsox4evur @ 02/24/15 03:31 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by bronxbombers21325
They are going to be a bad team this year. Even diehard fans have to realize when their teams arent good. My team has 27 World Series championships, 18 division titles, and 40 American League pennants That means zilch for 2015, they are a 3rd place team at the very best.
Not saying this as a Red Sox fan but I see the Yankees as the 4th place team in the division. I like the Jays, Sox, and Rays better than the Yankees. Rays are vastly underrated this offseason. They have a good pitching staff like they almost always do. And that is not including Matt Moore who is out to start the season.
 
# 83 bronxbombers21325 @ 02/24/15 03:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by redsox4evur
Not saying this as a Red Sox fan but I see the Yankees as the 4th place team in the division. I like the Jays, Sox, and Rays better than the Yankees. Rays are vastly underrated this offseason. They have a good pitching staff like they almost always do. And that is not including Matt Moore who is out to start the season.
Yeah, thats why I said 3rd place at the very best. haha
 
# 84 Jimmydm90 @ 02/24/15 03:50 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost Of The Year
I'm sure those 3 World Series Championships since the 2002 WS Game 7 has gone a long way to ease that pain.
Maybe even enough for Giants fans to Be the Dodgers, instead of 'Beat L.A.'?

It has gone a long way but I'll still never forgive Russ Ortiz. 8 outs away with a 5-0 lead in game 6! Haha
 
# 85 Ghost Of The Year @ 02/24/15 05:01 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joey
Why are you so angry?...
I'm guessing last place & 23 games back has something to do with it.
 
# 86 Cowboy008 @ 02/24/15 08:22 PM
Before OSFM comes out I'm going to do a Cubs franchise and then once they are released I'm going to start my main franchise with the Rays.
 
# 87 dubplate @ 02/24/15 08:58 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nwo4Life75
Having two world championships in a organization that is very old make those two championships make them that more special! I 've been a Diehard Phillies fan since the 70s,granted I've witnessed some pretty bad seasons,I'm tired of hearing people rip them and knocking them calling them looser franchise the worst ever! For a franchise that's been ripped by people forever,they have been in the postseason more then the Royals! When was the last time the Royals have been in the postseason before last season. Those 70s Phillies teams are some of the best teams in the history of baseball! They won three straight eastern division championships! Two of those teams had 101 wins in 1976 and 1977! Some of the greatest players in the history of baseball! Mike Schmidt,Richie Ashburn,Dick Allen to name a few and Steve Carlton arguably one of the greatest pitcher's of all time!

I too am a die hard Phillies fan and can tell you they are going to stink something awful this year most likely.

This will most likely be the case as long as Reuben Amaro Jr. is their GM.
 
# 88 baseballkid97 @ 02/25/15 03:08 AM
Yankees!
Could win 90, could lose 90. Should be fun.
 
# 89 baseballkid97 @ 02/25/15 03:13 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by redsox4evur
Not saying this as a Red Sox fan but I see the Yankees as the 4th place team in the division. I like the Jays, Sox, and Rays better than the Yankees. Rays are vastly underrated this offseason. They have a good pitching staff like they almost always do. And that is not including Matt Moore who is out to start the season.
Rays offense will be one of the worst in the AL. They have good young pitchers as usual, but I still think their rotation, while not at all bad, is the worst its been in years.
The AL East this year is the most balanced and wide open its been in a long time... I'm thinking Red Sox, Yankees, Jays, Orioles, then Rays. Should be a really fun year though and I'm so excited!!!
 
# 90 Rubio809 @ 02/25/15 08:50 AM
Love the idea of starting a franchise before OSFM come out. Leaning towards Twins/Indians.

The REAL season will start with my Bucos! Mmmmmm............PNC at night
 
# 91 CJTHA1 @ 02/25/15 04:48 PM
There are a multitude of teams that look fun to play as...in the NL you have the Marlins,Mets, Dodgers, Pirates,Padres...while in the AL you have the O's, Mariners, White Sox, Jays and Jays.
 
# 92 knicksfan111 @ 03/02/15 08:27 PM
I will be using the Mets. They have a great farm system and they might be able to make the playoffs this year.
 
# 93 CaseIH @ 03/03/15 01:13 AM
I only play with my favorite team the Reds, just never have had any itch ti use another team. Last yr with the PS3, Spring Training was broke to where team would sub out position players, so I did during Spring basically play other games, think I played atleast a game with every team except the Cubs and that's cause I absolutely despise and hate them. Im hoping this yr that Spring training subbing isn't broke like it was last yr on the PS3 version anyway, cause I really don't like doing that, but Im OCD about stats and I like Sprong training stats to look realistic too with all players playing some. I know Im probably in the minority but I actually enjoy playing the Spring Training games.
 
# 94 My993C2 @ 03/03/15 10:58 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CaseIH
I only play with my favorite team
I am like you, I have a hard time contemplating playing with another team.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CaseIH
Last yr with the PS3, Spring Training was broke to where team would sub out position players, so I did during Spring basically play other games, think I played atleast a game with every team except the Cubs and that's cause I absolutely despise and hate them. Im hoping this yr that Spring training subbing isn't broke like it was last yr on the PS3 version anyway, cause I really don't like doing that, but Im OCD about stats and I like Sprong training stats to look realistic too with all players playing some. I know Im probably in the minority but I actually enjoy playing the Spring Training games.
I am a Season mode player where I attempt to mirror the real world schedule as close as possible. So I have begun my MLB 15 season already (I am 4 Spring Training games into it) using MLB 14 with 2015 rosters and the 2014 Spring Training schedule. Still on the fence as to whether or not I should buy MLB 15 on March 31st (I probably will). Anyway in MLB 14 on the PS4 the CPU opponents are not subbing in their positional players in Spring Training games like they used to in past years on the PS3. I doubt very many people noticed this last year when MLB 14 was released because the game was released on the PS3 just before the regular season began and of course the PS4 was released in the middle of May. But I am subbing in some positional players because just because a certain player is a lock to the make the team in the real world does not mean they perform that well in the game and I want to evaluate the players available to me to make sure the right 25 players make my opening day rosters. Plus for some weird reason, I like playing Spring Training games in the smaller minor league stadiums. Heck I paid for the use of these stadiums, I might as well use them because they won't be used once the regular season begins.
 
# 95 CaseIH @ 03/03/15 04:15 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by My993C2
I am like you, I have a hard time contemplating playing with another team.



I am a Season mode player where I attempt to mirror the real world schedule as close as possible. So I have begun my MLB 15 season already (I am 4 Spring Training games into it) using MLB 14 with 2015 rosters and the 2014 Spring Training schedule. Still on the fence as to whether or not I should buy MLB 15 on March 31st (I probably will). Anyway in MLB 14 on the PS4 the CPU opponents are not subbing in their positional players in Spring Training games like they used to in past years on the PS3. I doubt very many people noticed this last year when MLB 14 was released because the game was released on the PS3 just before the regular season began and of course the PS4 was released in the middle of May. But I am subbing in some positional players because just because a certain player is a lock to the make the team in the real world does not mean they perform that well in the game and I want to evaluate the players available to me to make sure the right 25 players make my opening day rosters. Plus for some weird reason, I like playing Spring Training games in the smaller minor league stadiums. Heck I paid for the use of these stadiums, I might as well use them because they won't be used once the regular season begins.




Glad to see Im not the only 1 who enjoys spring games. that really bugged me about teams not subbing out position players right. I would just switch teams wit my controller a sub out that way, and I use 30 team control, so I mix up the lineups for teams thruout spring in my franchise. hope we don't havt to do that this yr to geyt things right.
 


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